Information for Prospective Members
Pistol shooting is generally regarded as the most challenging of the target shooting sports, but it is also one of the most accessible and enjoyable. There are generally no barriers of age, gender or physical disability which will prevent you being an active member of the club, or being able to enjoy the sport and being competitive.In Queensland, pistol shooting is allowed at Police approved clubs only, and as one such club, the City of Brisbane Pistol Club, with its excellent facilities, offers shooting of various styles including ISSF, Service Pistol, Black Powder, Practical Pistol and NRA 1920 Matches. (See the Matches section on this site for more information.)
What are the steps for joining the Pistol Club?
Statement of Eligibility (QP515)
All prospective new members must obtain a 'statement of eligability' (QP515) from the QLD Police before joining any pistol club . This is a basic background check that the police issue before you can apply for membership. You may apply for this 'statement of eligability' at any QLD Police Station. These are valid for a period of three months from when they are issued by the police. There is no cost for obtaining this Statement of Eligibility.Visit the Range
You are welcome to visit the range during our normal Club Office hours - Saturday mornings 11.30am to 12.30pm, and Tuesday evenings 6.30pm to 7.00pm. Someone from the Committee can outline what the Club is about and show you the different aspects of our sport. Membership application forms and 'New Members Handbooks' are always available from the office. The range is at 1485 Old Cleveland Road, Belmont, about 1km east of the Gateway overpass. See the Location Map for directions on how to find us.Firearms Safety Course
The Firearms Safety Course is generally scheduled for the 4th Sunday of each month, with additional courses as arranged. Once you succesfully complete the course and Firearms Safety exam, you are then eligable to apply for a Category H Concealable Weapons Licence once the 6 month probationary period has passed.See the Firearms Safety Course page for more information.
Club Fees
The following "pro rata" membership fees are payable 2009/2010 :| Member Type: | Adult | Student | Junior / Spouse / Country |
| Subscription | $310.20 | $163.40 | $103.40 |
| Working Bee Levy (Reducable by attending working bees) | $60.00 | $60.00 | N.A. |
| Firearms Safety Course (Only if not already licenced) | $110.00 | $110.00 | $110.00 |
Please note, these fees are 'pro-rata' (July to July) depending on time of joining, please contact the club for a more exact figure.
Once you have paid the Club fees, there are no ongoing range fees, no matter how many times you attend the range. New targets and patches are supplied for Saturday and Tuesday club competitions, and secondhand targets are always available for personal practise or training.
Other Affiliations
As a member of CoBPC, you are automatically affiliated with the Queensland Amateur Pistol Shooting Association (QAPSA) and Pistol Australia (PA) This allows our members to shoot at competitions throughout Australia at affiliated clubs. Quarterly magazines/bulletins from COB, QAPSA and Pistol Australia are part of your membership entitlements. Being a member of QAPSA & PA provides a recognised path toward possible State and Australian team selection at National and Internation competitions and coaching material.....Club Pistols
As it is a Qld Police requirement to be a member for 6 months before you can apply for a licence, you are encouraged to practice with Club Pistols during that time. It is a good way to try a number of different makes and models of pistols whilst you decide which type to purchase. Committee Members have access to the Club Armoury for this purpose on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays.What else will I need?
Ear ProtectionThis is the most important item a shooter MUST have. Ear protection in the form of earmuffs or at least earplugs should be the first purchase of a shooter. There are many different types that can be purchased from most firearms dealers, or hardware stores. Pre-existing hearing impairment does not exempt you from wearing hearing protection.
Eye Protection
Along with ear protection this is also an essential safety requirement. Even if you do not require spectacles for normal wear you should use protective glasses to guard against eye damage from hot powder or gases. This is especially needed when using any auto loading pistol where there is the added danger of hot cartridge cases flying out of the breech. The rules of Black Powder, Metallic Silhouette and Action Match events require the use of safety glasses, and it is recommended that all shooters should wear eye protection at all times on any range. Anyone on a range (including spectators) using steel targets must wear eye protection. Special shooting glasses are also available from most reputable firearm dealers.
Dress Code
Whenever you shoot you need to have certain minimum standards of dress to protect yourself from hot cartridge cases and other range hazards. Sleeved shirts and enclosed footwear is a minimum standard, shorts are acceptable although many people prefer trousers. A hat and/or sunscreen is a good idea especailly as shooters spend some time out in the open whilst setting up and scoring their targets. Enclosed footware is manditory. (No thongs, sandals or 'open toe' footware is permitted.) Footwear that supports the ankle is not allowed in ISSF competitions and while this rule is not enforced in club matches it may be enforced in open competitions. Camouflage style clothing is not acceptable on the City of Brisbane ranges.
For further information:
Email the Secretary (info@cobpc.org.au) for more information.Our normal Club Office hours are Saturday mornings 11.30am to 12.30pm, and Tuesday evenings 6.30pm to 7.00pm.
